Fix Your Electricity
Bill Problems in Pakistan
Overbilling, wrong meter readings, load shedding, new connection delays — here is exactly what to do, who to call, and how to escalate if your DISCO does not respond.
Always start here
Call 118 — free, 24/7, works for every DISCO in Pakistan
Log your complaint first. Everything else flows from your complaint number.
Common issues
Electricity Bill Problems & How to Fix Them
Each issue below includes the cause, step-by-step resolution, and what to do if the DISCO does not respond.
⚡Bill is too high / overbilling
Your DISCO may have estimated your consumption based on a past average instead of reading the actual meter. This happens a lot during Ramadan or summer months.
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Bill is too high / overbilling
Your DISCO may have estimated your consumption based on a past average instead of reading the actual meter. This happens a lot during Ramadan or summer months.
Why this happens: Your DISCO may have estimated your consumption based on a past average instead of reading the actual meter. This happens a lot during Ramadan or summer months.
What to do — step by step
- 1
Compare this month's reading on your bill with last month. If the difference seems unrealistic, that's the first clue.
- 2
Take a photo of your meter right now showing the current reading.
- 3
Call 118 and request an 'actual reading visit'. Keep your complaint number.
- 4
If the officer confirms the reading was estimated, the DISCO must issue a revised bill within 15 working days under NEPRA regulations.
- 5
If not resolved, file a formal complaint at NEPRA — call 051-9207200 or use nepra.org.pk.
🔢Wrong meter reading on bill
A meter reader entered a wrong digit, or your bill shows a lower reading than your meter — which means next month you'll be charged double.
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Wrong meter reading on bill
A meter reader entered a wrong digit, or your bill shows a lower reading than your meter — which means next month you'll be charged double.
Why this happens: A meter reader entered a wrong digit, or your bill shows a lower reading than your meter — which means next month you'll be charged double.
What to do — step by step
- 1
Note the exact reading shown on your bill and compare it with your meter's current display.
- 2
If the bill reading is wrong, call 118 immediately — they log your complaint on the spot.
- 3
Ask for a re-inspection and a corrected bill. Get the complaint reference number.
- 4
Document everything: take a video of your meter with the date visible.
- 5
If the DISCO ignores the issue for two billing cycles, escalate to NEPRA's Consumer Service Directorate.
🔧Meter running fast / suspected defective meter
Mechanical meters slow down or speed up with age. Digital meters can have firmware issues. A meter running 10–15% fast adds significantly to every bill.
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Meter running fast / suspected defective meter
Mechanical meters slow down or speed up with age. Digital meters can have firmware issues. A meter running 10–15% fast adds significantly to every bill.
Why this happens: Mechanical meters slow down or speed up with age. Digital meters can have firmware issues. A meter running 10–15% fast adds significantly to every bill.
What to do — step by step
- 1
Request a Meter Defect Test (MDT) by calling 118 — there is no fee for this test under NEPRA rules.
- 2
A DISCO engineer will visit and test your meter in place, or remove it and replace it temporarily.
- 3
If the meter is found defective, the DISCO must adjust past bills — typically the last three months — based on the error percentage.
- 4
You are entitled to a revised assessment. If the DISCO refuses, contact NEPRA.
- 5
Never tamper with the meter yourself — even to 'test' it. That voids all legal protection.
🌑Excessive or unscheduled load shedding
Scheduled load shedding follows a feeder rotation. But unscheduled outages — caused by faults, overloading, or theft in your area — should be reported separately.
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Excessive or unscheduled load shedding
Scheduled load shedding follows a feeder rotation. But unscheduled outages — caused by faults, overloading, or theft in your area — should be reported separately.
Why this happens: Scheduled load shedding follows a feeder rotation. But unscheduled outages — caused by faults, overloading, or theft in your area — should be reported separately.
What to do — step by step
- 1
For faults causing unscheduled outages, call 118 — available 24/7 and free.
- 2
For scheduled load shedding complaints, visit the DISCO's website or call their local sub-division office.
- 3
Document outage times with timestamps. Apps like 'Voltlog' let you track supply interruptions.
- 4
If your area exceeds the approved shedding hours for your feeder category, file a formal complaint with NEPRA at 051-9207200.
- 5
Consumers in Category A (residential, under 3 kW sanctioned load) should get the least shedding — know your category from your bill.
🔌New electricity connection delays
NEPRA mandates connection timelines: 15 working days for single-phase, 30 for three-phase. If your application through the ENC portal is overdue, you can push back.
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New electricity connection delays
NEPRA mandates connection timelines: 15 working days for single-phase, 30 for three-phase. If your application through the ENC portal is overdue, you can push back.
Why this happens: NEPRA mandates connection timelines: 15 working days for single-phase, 30 for three-phase. If your application through the ENC portal is overdue, you can push back.
What to do — step by step
- 1
Track your application status at enc.wapda.com.pk using the tracking ID from your application.
- 2
If the deadline has passed, call 118 and quote your application number.
- 3
File a written complaint at the DISCO's Sub-Division office — keep a signed copy.
- 4
NEPRA's Performance Standards regulations allow compensation for unreasonable delays. Escalate via 051-9207200 if the DISCO is unresponsive.
💳Payment made but bill still shows due
Bank clearing takes 2–3 business days. Online payments via JazzCash or Easypaisa can take up to 24 hours to reflect. Sometimes the payment was posted to the wrong account.
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Payment made but bill still shows due
Bank clearing takes 2–3 business days. Online payments via JazzCash or Easypaisa can take up to 24 hours to reflect. Sometimes the payment was posted to the wrong account.
Why this happens: Bank clearing takes 2–3 business days. Online payments via JazzCash or Easypaisa can take up to 24 hours to reflect. Sometimes the payment was posted to the wrong account.
What to do — step by step
- 1
Keep your payment receipt or transaction screenshot safe for at least 90 days.
- 2
Wait 72 hours after paying before calling — most delays resolve on their own.
- 3
If still not updated, call 118 with your reference number and payment proof date.
- 4
For JazzCash or Easypaisa — also call the app's helpline (111-124-444 for JazzCash, 3737 for Easypaisa) with the transaction ID.
- 5
In rare cases the DISCO may ask for your bank or payment confirmation slip — a copy is enough.
Think Your Meter is Running Fast? Get an MDT — It's Free.
A meter running 10% fast adds roughly 10% to every single bill you pay. The Meter Defect Test is your legal right under NEPRA regulations, and the DISCO cannot charge you for it.
Request the test
Call 118 or visit your DISCO's sub-division office. Ask specifically for a 'Meter Defect Test (MDT)'. It is free — there is no charge for this under NEPRA's Consumer Service Manual.
Engineer inspection visit
A technical officer will visit your premises, usually within 5–7 working days. They test the meter in place using a portable calibration tool, or remove it for lab testing and fit a temporary replacement.
Test result
If the meter error exceeds ±2% (the allowable tolerance under international standards), it is classified as defective. The officer will give you a written MDT report.
Bill adjustment
The DISCO is required to revise your past bills — typically the last 3 billing months — by applying the error correction percentage. The adjustment appears as a debit or credit on your next bill.
Escalate if ignored
If the DISCO doesn't act within 15 working days of the MDT result, call NEPRA at 051-9207200. Bring the MDT report reference number.
Key fact about the MDT
If your DISCO isn't listening
The Complaint Escalation Path
Start from the bottom. Only move up if the previous level ignores you or gives an unsatisfactory response.
Call 118
ImmediateUniversal WAPDA/DISCO helpline. Works for every DISCO. Free, 24/7. Always start here — they log a complaint number you can reference later.
DISCO Sub-Division Office
Within 7 daysVisit in person. Bring your bill, ID, and complaint reference from Step 1. Ask the SDO (Sub-Divisional Officer) to inspect or review your case. Get a signed receipt.
DISCO Regional / Circle Office
15–21 daysIf the sub-division is unresponsive, escalate to the Circle or Regional office. DISCO websites list office addresses — or find them on our DISCO offices directory.
NEPRA Consumer Complaint
30–60 daysFile formally with Pakistan's National Electric Power Regulatory Authority. Call 051-9207200 or write to Consumer Services Directorate, NEPRA, Islamabad. NEPRA has legal powers to order refunds and penalties.
NEPRA Consumer Service Directorate
Pakistan's electricity regulator — they have legal authority to order DISCOs to refund money, fix meters, and pay penalties.
Quick reference
DISCO Helplines Directory 2026
All 12 distribution companies share the universal 118 helpline. Call it — it routes to your DISCO automatically based on your area code.
| DISCO | Area served | Helpline | Check bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| LESCO | Lahore & central Punjab | 📞 118 | Check bill → |
| MEPCO | Multan, Bahawalpur, DG Khan | 📞 118 | Check bill → |
| FESCO | Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang | 📞 118 | Check bill → |
| IESCO | Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Jhelum | 📞 118 | Check bill → |
| GEPCO | Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat | 📞 118 | Check bill → |
| PESCO | Peshawar & KP (except Hazara) | 📞 118 | Check bill → |
| HESCO | Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Larkana | 📞 118 | Check bill → |
| SEPCO | Sukkur & upper Sindh | 📞 118 | Check bill → |
| QESCO | Quetta & Balochistan | 📞 118 | Check bill → |
| TESCO | Tribal districts (ex-FATA) | 📞 118 | Check bill → |
| HAZECO | Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur | 📞 118 | Check bill → |
| K-Electric | Karachi, Hub (Balochistan) | 📞 118 | Check bill → |
118 is a toll-free national helpline operated jointly by WAPDA and NEPRA. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week. K-Electric in Karachi also uses 118 within their network.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
?What is the universal electricity helpline number in Pakistan?
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118 is the free, 24/7 helpline that works for all DISCOs — LESCO, MEPCO, FESCO, IESCO, GEPCO, PESCO, HESCO, SEPCO, QESCO, TESCO, HAZECO, and K-Electric.
?How long does a DISCO have to fix an overbilling complaint?
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Under NEPRA's Performance Standards Regulations, a DISCO must respond to a billing complaint within 7 working days and resolve it within 15 working days.
?Is the Meter Defect Test free?
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Yes. The first MDT is free under NEPRA Consumer Service Manual rules. The DISCO cannot charge you for testing a meter they provided and installed.
?How far back can the DISCO go if my meter was over-reading?
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Typically 3 billing months from the date of the confirmed MDT result. For cases of gross negligence on the DISCO's part, NEPRA can order longer adjustments.
?How do I contact NEPRA to complain about my DISCO?
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Call NEPRA's Consumer Service Directorate at 051-9207200, or write to AEDB House, G-5/2, Islamabad. You can also submit online through nepra.org.pk.
?Can K-Electric customers use 118?
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Yes, 118 is a national helpline and works for K-Electric customers in Karachi too. K-Electric also has its own helpline at 118 within Karachi.
?What is an estimated reading and why does it happen?
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When a meter reader cannot access your property — gate locked, dog on premises, bad weather — the DISCO estimates your consumption based on your past average. The next actual reading then creates a reconciliation which can show as a spike.
?My bill shows zero units but I used electricity. What do I do?
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A zero-unit bill usually means the meter reading was skipped (billing on estimate zero) or there is a meter communication error. Call 118 immediately — zero-unit bills are often followed by a large catch-up bill if not corrected.
Still stuck? Here's what to do next.
Call 118 first. Get a complaint number. Then, if needed, escalate using the path above. Most billing issues get resolved at Step 1 when you have a logged complaint reference.